ECOWAS and CTBTO in a Strategic Cooperation for Science, Peace, and Disaster Resilience in West Africa.
By Raymond Enoch
In a significant step towards bolstering regional peace, scientific innovation, and disaster preparedness, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) have renewed and expanded their strategic partnership.
At the heart of this development was a high-level meeting held on July 7, 2025, at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja between H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, and Dr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the CTBTO. The talks underscored the urgent need to harness science and technology in the service of peace, environmental stewardship, and regional resilience.
During the meeting, President Touray reaffirmed West Africa’s unwavering support for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), noting that the region had fully ratified the treaty—a milestone that positions it as a committed player in global nuclear disarmament and monitoring efforts.
“Our region’s dedication to peace and sustainable development is rooted in innovation and scientific collaboration,” said Dr. Touray. “By deepening our partnership with the CTBTO, we are ensuring that advanced monitoring technologies and data-sharing not only help prevent nuclear testing but also enhance our ability to detect and respond to natural disasters.”
Dr. Floyd praised the active role played by ECOWAS countries in the International Monitoring System (IMS), citing the six certified seismic and radionuclide stations in the region that provide vital data for global security and disaster risk reduction.
The two leaders explored expanding cooperation in several key areas:
Technical Collaboration: Enhancing the use of seismic and geophysical data for both treaty verification and disaster early warning.
Capacity Building: Training regional experts in geoscience, data interpretation, and emergency preparedness.
Peacebuilding: Promoting the CTBT’s role in disarmament diplomacy and its contribution to global and regional peace.
This renewed collaboration aligns seamlessly with ECOWAS Vision 2050, which prioritizes people-centered development, sustainable peace, and climate resilience across West Africa.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to build on current progress and explore new avenues for science-based governance. Both leaders emphasized that in an increasingly uncertain world, partnerships grounded in shared values and technological cooperation are indispensable.
As climate change, conflict, and environmental threats continue to challenge the region, the ECOWAS-CTBTO partnership stands as a beacon of proactive leadership, turning science into a force for peace and resilience in West Africa and beyond.
